Subaru Impreza Recall R/2016/148: Airbag May Not Deploy, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 1 Aug 2016
- Launched
- 408
- vehicles in the UK
- R/2016/148
- DVSA reference
Subaru recalled Impreza vehicles built between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2012. Certain circumstances can trigger the Occupant Detection System (ODS) to incorrectly detect a high rise in capacitance which deactivates the ODS and turns the passenger airbag off. The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected and replace the Occupant Detection Unit. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Certain circumstances can trigger the Occupant Detection System (ODS) to incorrectly detect a high rise in capacitance which deactivates the ODS and turns the passenger airbag off. This is signalled to the driver via the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL). If a heavy frontal collision occurs after the MIL illuminates the airbag will not deploy.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY Defect: Certain circumstances can trigger the Occupant Detection System (ODS) to incorrectly detect a high rise in capacitance which deactivates the ODS and turns the passenger airbag off. This is signalled to the driver via the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL). If a heavy frontal collision occurs after the MIL illuminates the airbag will not deploy. Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the Occupant Detection Unit.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: airbag may not deploy.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected and replace the Occupant Detection Unit.
Are You Affected?
Impreza built between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2012 may be included. Subaru estimates 408 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Subaru, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Subaru.
- Book with any franchised Subaru dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/2016/148. See how to get a Subaru recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impreza, Levorg, Outback, XVThe electronic park brake connector may disconnect | Urgent | R/2022/260 | |
| Forester, Impreza, XVPotential failure of the ignition coil module causing engine stall and a none start condition | Urgent | R/2021/353 | |
| Forester, Impreza, XVDue to improper ecm programming under certain circumstances the ignition coil may be energized longer than designed after the engine is off | Urgent | R/2020/316 | |
| Impreza, XVBrake hose fitting caulking area has insufficient sealing | Urgent | R/2020/315 | |
| Forester, Impreza, WRX, XVSilicone gas may seep into stop light switch housing and lead to a conduction failure | Book soon | R/2019/106 |
This is one of 37 Subaru recalls in DVSA’s data. The Subaru recall launched before it was R/2016/147 on 1 Aug 2016, for engine may stall. The one launched after it was R/2016/191 on 1 Sep 2016, for loss of power assistance. You can also see every Subaru recall, all recalls launched in 2016 and airbag recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2016/148, launched 1 August 2016. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.